65 – the best age!

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When we turn 65 years old, we are expected in most western world countries to clean out our desk and go home for good. One can really wonder why this is the case Kinnarps has had a look at an exciting survey that reveals that a total of 76 per cent of all 65 year olds in USA think that they have never felt better than they do now.

But if people want to and can work longer, why is it the case that we are so bad at making the most of the older generation? These are colleagues that in all likelihood should be at the apex of their capabilities. Should they then not be given all the possibilities available to remain on at work for a further number of years, instead of saying goodbye to them and thanking them with a bouquet of flowers? Knowledge and experience are becoming hard currency.

The survey, carried out by the American university UCLA in California, points at how companies are becoming more interested in customising ergonomic and technical solutions for individuals. How a colleague's personal requirements and needs are focused on, instead of using one size fits all standard solutions. From screens that help tired eyes read through long documents to furniture that is forgiving to creaky knees. It is a small investment considering what the companies get in return.David Lindeman, director of the Center for Technology and Ageing at UCLA, would like to go even further with this vision:

"The first driverless cars will soon be rolled out in our cities, imagine the impact this will have on people with disabilities but also on the older generation's mobility and ability to travel to and from the work."